During our recent trip across the pond to sunny Florida, we had the pleasure of spending an hour or two exploring SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. Nestled within the ICON Park complex (you can’t miss the big wheel!), SEA LIFE Orlando offers a wonderful mix of education, entertainment, and good old-fashioned fishy fun – perfect for families needing a breather from the theme park madness.
We created a video of our trip below.
If you are planning to visit ICON Park, also have a look at our reviews of Madame Tussauds and The Museum of Illusions too.
We have visited a few SEA LIFE Aquariums around the world – my youngest loves sharks and anything to do with the sea, so it’s a popular day out for us.
The attraction layout flows beautifully, meandering through themed zones that bring you up close and personal with all manner of marine creatures. From the hypnotic jellyfish (seriously, I could have watched them for hours – so calming!) to the cute clownfish (Nemo!) hiding in the coral, there’s something to catch the eye around every corner.
My favourite part is the 360° ocean tunnel, where you’re surrounded on all sides by sharks, rays, and giant sea turtles gliding gracefully overhead.
One of the highlights for our youngest was the interactive rock pool area, where you can gently touch starfish and anemones under the careful guidance of the staff. It’s such a great way to bring learning to life.
Handy Tips for Visiting SEA LIFE Orlando
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Timing: We visited early evening on a weekday and it was pleasantly quiet, which gave us space to linger and enjoy each exhibit without feeling rushed.
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Tickets: Definitely worth booking online in advance – not only does it save you a few dollars, but you can bundle it with other ICON Park attractions like Madame Tussauds and The Orlando Eye.
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Parking: Free and plentiful in the multi-storey – a rare treat in Orlando!
SEA LIFE Orlando isn’t the biggest attraction you’ll visit in Florida, but it’s utterly charming and perfect for a relaxed visit. It’s cool (literally and figuratively), engaging for all ages, and offers a nice change of pace from the high-octane rollercoasters and crowds elsewhere.
So if you’re looking for something family-friendly as well as educational, SEA LIFE Orlando gets a big thumbs-up from us. Bring a camera, take your time, and don’t forget to say hello to Ted the Turtle – he’s quite the local celebrity!
We were invited to visit for the purposes of this review.
